Taiko Drum
Originally started in Japan, taiko actual means "drum." "Centuries ago, taiko was used predominantly in the military arena. As it evolved, Japanese Buddhist and Shinto religions gradually began to take it on as a sacred instrument." Taiko drumming can be done with a single drum or a group of them. They are played altogether and alone to create a wonderful melody. From start to finish the work can change it's timbre to reflect different intensities. When playing this instrument the artist is not only performing a technical music rhythm but also forming a connection to the drum itself. Performers will incorporate elements of "attitude, form, technique and energy." To better express the art of taiko it would show an expression of the artist itself. There are different types of drums that vary in size, shape and sound. In the video below the one center drum is being played on both side by two different performers using different beats. Vocals can accompany the drums in addition to other metal and wooden instruments. The sticks that are being used are very different from popular drum set sticks we know. These are all the same width all the way down and not only being used to hit the drum a the top of the stick but also the bottom to make a different sound.
The sounds in this video Rites of Thundering by Kenny Endo are just amazing. The way the background repetition on its own its consistent and mundane but when paired with the main taiko drums it comes together forming such a intricate rhythm. I find the taiko drums to be so versatile in melody. From their history of starting as a military arena instrument to then being almost the exact opposite. Used in religions where peace is preached. The sense of community and honor when playing them is quite striking. Passing down this art form is really amazing. As I learned about these drums, the bit of information that peaked my interest is how much dance is actually incorporated as well. "Drummers follow choreographed routines and use their entire bodies." See below in the Fertility of the Sea.
“History of Taiko.” Stanford Taiko, taiko.stanford.edu/history/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
Show, The Travel. “Japan’s Ancient Art of Taiko Drumming.” BBC News, BBC, 21 Oct. 2023, www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231020-japans-ancient-art-of-taiko-drumming. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
“Taiko Japanese Drum Music.” CulturallyOurs, 18 Jan. 2020, culturallyours.com/podcast/taiko-japanese-drum-music/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
“Taiko.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
“‘taiko’ Drums.” Nippon.Com, 1 July 2023, www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00095/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
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ReplyDeleteGreat job on the post! I like the sound of taiko drums. They have a very powerful sound. I heard a drum performance in real life when I visited Epcot in Disney World a few years back. Its cool how they can make various melodies all with one instrument. The sound of the taiko drums gives me the feeling of marching into battle. Sometimes the less is more approach (limiting your resources/tools) makes for very creative products, in this case very cool music!
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